Newbie scrapper advice please?

I'm getting into scraping among other things . Would anyone be so kind to give me some advice on what to look out for other than obvious stuff like scrap metal like appliances metal chairs lawnmowers . I must recycle scrap tin and insulated cords. Are there any tricks or tips things other people normally don't give a second look at . Like where to find brass aluminum I have a hard time identifying some metal . I know aluminum is non magnetic. Any help would be great. I would be willing to exhange some helpful info as well for any helpful advice .